Palo Santo Therapeutic Grade™ Essential Oil

Palo Santo Essential Oil (Bursera graveolens) comes from the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincense, although it is found in South America rather than the Middle East. Like frankincense, palo santo is known as a spiritual oil, traditionally used by the Incas to purify and cleanse the spirit from negative energies. Even its Spanish name reflects how highly this oil is regarded: Palo santo means "holy wood" or "sacred wood."

Historical Data: Palo Santo comes from the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincense, although it is found in South America. Like frankincense, Palo Santo is known as a spriitual oil with a deep-rooted tradition in which it was used by the Incas to purify and cleanse the air of negative energies. Palo Santo is found growing in the northern part of Ecuador but they also found some in the southern part. The tree produces oil the whole time it is alive, but when it dies it goes in to the heartwood which is steamed distilled to get the essential oil out.

As in Peru, the Palo Santo tree in Ecuador is protected by the national government and can only be harvested under strict conditions. The wood matures over time after the tree has died, developing a chemistry that makes for a very powerful essential oil. The same chemistry does not occur in cut branches or the wood of cut trees. The magic of Palo Santo is in the alchemical process that happens after the death of a limb or a tree. You see, in order for the Palo Santo to gain its magical properties it must die, but not just any death — only a natural death of a wise old limb or tree. The Palo Santo trees live for 80 to 90 years. After this death the tree must remain in its natural habitat for 4 to 10 years to complete its metamorphosis. Only then do its sacred and mystical properties come alive. It is said that the spirits of the sacred palo santo trees are carried in the essential oil and are part of what makes the oil so potent. The wood and oil have distinct therapeutic benefits that are utilized in traditional ethnobotanical medicine of the Andes. Palo Santo has been used for thousands of years in Peru and Ecuador by shamans. Travel today through the Andes Mountains you still find shamans and curanderos using Palo Santo as part of their ceremonies and rituals, evidence that its use is more alive than ever in their culture.

Key Constituents:
Limonene — 55-65%
Alpha-Terpineol — 8-12%
Menthofuran — 5-8%
Note: constituents can vary depending on whether the wood is harvested from coastal or inland areas and if the trunk is red or white.

Applications: Palo Santo supports the immune system and can help acne. Palo Santo can also be worn as a perfume to transform negative energy. Palo Santo is traditionally used in South America as a cleanser and to remove impurities from the skin and body, as well as to clear homes of "bad energy" and bring in good luck. It is also used to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Palo Santo is one of the oils used in a protocol to get rid of beg bugs. Like frankincense, palo santo is also useful in meditation, energy work, and spiritual practices.

How to use: For topical use, apply 1-2 drops on affected area. For aromatic use, inhale directly as needed or diffuse/humidify for 10-15 minutes daily. Keep in a cool, dark place.

I love to teach classes locally in the Central Florida area and am a former Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with over 12 years of experience, studying the human body, the energy system, the use of aromatherapy, Raindrop Technique and Emotional Release with Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils through C.A.R.E. as well as many workshops with Gary Young. I work and live in Winter Park, FL and am available by appointment: 407.399.8562.

I highly suggest educating yourself about the truth of essential oils by purchasing the Essential Oil Desk Reference book which contains a wealth of information on all of our products including details on each oil and what oils to use for specific situations.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Don't expect the same results unless you are using Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ Essential Oils and supplements. Also each person is unique and different in chemistry and toxicity levels, as well as emotionally and spiritually, so an oil that is suggested for an issue may not work as well as another. If a change is not apparent within three minutes, try another oil.